Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to mandate the use of steam-powered catapults on future U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, advocating for this shift over the current Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). Speaking aboard the USS George Washington in Japan, Trump criticized EMALS for its costs and reliability issues, while praising the proven effectiveness of steam technology. This proposal underscores a significant debate within the military regarding the balance between innovation and reliability in defense systems. The move could impact U.S. naval power projection by potentially slowing the adoption of advanced technologies, raising questions about the future of naval aviation and procurement strategies.